Polar Coordinate

When I check what terms people put into search engines to find my blog, the one that usually is on top is “USS Ronald Reagan”… so by popular demand, here are the lowdown on this ship!
(Who says I’m not service minded?)

USS Ronald Reagan is the 9th Nimitz-class nuclear powered aircraft carrier. The class is the largest type of capital ship in the world. She was commissioned into the US Navy in July 2003, and was the first ship in the US Navys history to be named after a still living American President. Sadly, his illness meant he could not participate as a guest of honour at her launch. Her motto is “Peace through Strength” and she is today posted in the Pacific fleet, with a home port of San Diego, California.

USS Ronald Reagan in the Mangellan Straits

Her force of 90 aircraft comes from Carrier Air Wing Fourteen, from Naval Air Station Lemoore, CA with bearing tail code NK, one of 10 active Carrier Air Wings, and at the Time of writing her carrier group is deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, as part of 5th Fleet.

Now the concept of the supercarrier is singular to the US. Each of the 10 massive ships carry the equivalent of the 5th largest airforce in the world. (The ships being: USS Enterprise, USS Abraham Lincoln, USS Harry S. Truman, USS George Washington, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, USS George H.W. Bush, USS Nimitz, USS John C. Stennis, USS Carl Vinson and USS Ronald Reagan.) Now just the mere presence of one of these ships in an area tend to cool down any would-be despot with delusions of grandeur.

There is said that the first ting any US presidents do when there is a disaster, attack on Americans, diplomatic conflict or any other crisis is to ask “Where are my carriers?”. And who can blame him? Even though the US still keeps a massive naval strength in mothballs “just in case” the main gun of the US military might is the carrier groups. And it is not just in recent years. When the Japanese launched their attack on Pearl Harbour in December 1941 they did a massive amount of damage. With the US caught flat footed they sank four U.S. Navy battleships (two of which were raised and returned to service later in the war) and damaged four more. The Japanese also sank or damaged three cruisers, three destroyers, and one minelayer, destroyed 188 aircraft, and caused personnel losses of 2,402 killed and 1,282 wounded. All for the loss of 29 airdraft, some midgets subs and 59 men all told. A resounding blow, right. Notice anything…? Yeah, no carriers. Someone in the US Navy had smelled a rat brewing (to mix idioms) and sent the carrier groups out.

That combined with the fact that the japanese never launched the third wave to destroy the dry docks and support facilities, meant that the blow to the US had not been as fatal as it at first seemed. Apparently when reviewing the facts the Japanese Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto uttered the famous words: “I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve.”

When we are on to quote, let us round off with a quote from perhaps the greatest American president of all time: Theodore Roosevelt. On the issue of foreign policy, his adage was: “Walk softly and carry a big stick, and you will go far.” You don’t find them much bigger than the Nimitz-class supercarriers, as sticks go.

As part of the discussion of the proposed academic boycott of Israel I was asked when I believe a boycott can be a legitimate tactic. I decided to repost my answer, with some further details here as well.

First of all, all boycotts are not the same. Rather I see three different kinds of boycotts:Strategical, economical and symbolical.

The strategical boycotts are things like weapons embargoes, or regulations to stop computers or other technology fall into the hand of unfriendly, or unstable areas. Typically areas like North Korea, Iran, Iraq etc. Some will say Norway should not export heavy water, used in nuclear reactors, to states who are not one of the 6 original nuclear nations for instance, since that can facilitate a spreading of nuclear arms. If I’m not mistaken Norway nominally have a weapons embargo on Israel now. (But as our arms manufacturers can sell to the US, and they then can sell it on, it is more of a gesture.) the reason is that Israel is engaged in wars or warlike situations. The same has been a discussion regarding Turkey, due to the Kurd uprisings, but as Turkey is a member of NATO it was more difficult to put in action.

Economical boycotts are things like the boycott of South Africa during the Apartheid, or the aforementioned student boycott of tourism in Burma. It is meant to harm a government with a unacceptable policy, so they must relinquish control.

The last boycott is symbolic, it’s effect would be to show a displeasure with another nation, and is more a political instrument to signal “we need to talk”. Russia’s boycott of Norwegian salmon a few years ago was an example. An academic boycott of Israel would have been in this category.

Now, personally I find that the first category is something for the governments to decide, based on risk assessments and foreign policies. Economical boycotts can be either national boycotts (S.A. for instance), or a personal choice. “I as a consumer do not want my money to go to this nation”. For the latter part, I believe that anyone with a monopoly of services, like say student welfare organisations here in Norway. (Who generally have a monopoly on services on-campus) should see it as their goal not to make the choice for the consumer, but allow for free choice in all cases where there is a public wish for the opportunity to choose. I.e. have free-trade cola and coca cola, have both Israeli ans Spanish oranges etc. This will often mean a need to mark the place of origin, but this is almost compulsory anyway, people i Norway is used to knowing, and expects to be told, where the foodstuffs and consumer goods they buy are produced.

As for symbolic boycotts instigated by organisations and focus-groups I believe it is wise NOT to engage in such, unless it is a full consensus. I strongly believe it is much better to then just make people aware of the issue, and allow them to make their own choice. At most, issue a supportive statement for one of the groups. But again, if there is compulsory membership in a set organisation for instance, I would find it quite difficult to defend. As a liberal I believe in individual choice.

As for Israel, I believe that not selling weapons directly to Israel, as long as they might be used in irregular warfare, or against mostly civilian targets, is a signal worth sending. (Even if, as I said, Norwegian weapons can get through by different routes.) I also believe not selling materials or technology for use in the development of nuclear weapons is correct, insofar as Israel NOT being one of the nuclear powers from before the non-proliferation pact. As for other goods, I think that so long as a minority of Norwegians wants to choose to buy say oranges from other nations than Israel, because they disagree with Israels policy towards the Palestinians, that is a personal choice they should be allowed to make, and thus the point of origin should be marked. (And usually it is, as many Norwegian makes a point of choosing Norwegian produced goods if they can. Maybe not relevant for oranges, but say potatoes which we also import a lot of from Israel.) I don’t believe this really makes a difference overall, many Norwegians also show their support for Israel by deliberately choosing Israeli produce when given a choice, which again, I see no problem in.

So in my view, it is difficult, if not impossible to set a benchmark for when a boycott is legitimate. It depends on several factors: What is the boycott supposed to accomplish, what is the level of interaction and contact with whom the boycott is targeted against, and what effects will a boycott have.

But again, as a liberal, my view is that boycotts generally is something to leave to the individual consumer, unless it is a reason of national policy or security to engage in them, and a boycott of Israel is neither.

Today at 14.00 CET the Board of NTNU started their consideration of the boycott proposal.
And the Boards vote was unanimous, there will be no academic boycott of Israel instigated by NTNU. In the wake of the proposal there have been waves, and many outspoken supporters of the proposal have written op-ed’s as well as many who is opposed to an academic proposal. And the media turned up as well, not only Norwegian news outlets like TV2, NRK, Adressa, Dagbladet and so on and so forth. But also international news services like Al Jazeera and Jerusalem Post made an appearance.

Some would say it was a foregone conclusion. Several members of the board had in advance flagged that they would not support the boycott-proposal. Was it still wise to consider the boycott? I believe it is, for one thing this should put a lid on the critics who have blown a fuse lately, and live in the belief that all Norwegian is Quislings and that NTNU is a hate campus. Secondly, when a number of board members asks that a motion is put on the agenda, it would be arrogant to not consider it, even though it had no chance of being carried.

Now the attacks on NTNU and Norway have been fierce, unreasonable and quite frankly ridiculous lately. Many Israeli and friends of Israel have complained that it is unfair that Israel is singled out, and that other parts of the in-going conflict is as much to blame. But seriously, it is actually a compliment, that we think Israel, unlike most of it’s neighbours, can be talked to sensibly. That it is a democracy that can still be reasoned with. I don’t believe a boycott is a good way to express our disappointment with Israel, and its policies towards the Palestinians, but maybe this whole debaucle may be for good, as it has put a spotlight on the conflicts academic side.

And let’s not forget, now NTNU is the only western University who has voted clearly NOT to install an academic boycott on Israel, technically, the rest of the world is still on the fence!

Når NTNUs styre den 12. november avgjør om institusjonen skal gå til en ensidig akademisk boikott av Israel eller ei, er det mange øyne som følger spent med. Man skulle nesten tro at NTNU var et nøkkeluniversitet for Israels akademiske miljø, slik oppmerksomhet som dette forslaget har fått. At en israelsk nettavis tok opp saken er kanskje ikke like overraskende.
Les mer

In many collectible games rares are almost impossible to avoid if you play to win. And while HeroClix has a lot of impressive Rare and SuperRare figures, the later sets have given us plethora of Commons that are incredibly good. If you are just starting up playing the game, and want competative figures for cheap, these are some you should look out for!

First I will summarise what I hold to be the best Commons in the last 6 sets, then I will present a couple of good theme teams, just made up of Commons.

I take it chronologically, and explain why they are so good:

Arkham Asylum

004 – The Question (37p) The perfect support, Outwit, Perplex (just enemies) and Stealth + Willpower. She is obviously nerfed a bit (Perplex SP to not be applicable for Brilliant Tactician, and Stealth as a power rather than the Batman TA, to hinder wildcard-abuse) but she is still good as gold!

006 Gotham City Detective (27p) Police TA, and Enhancement means this copper is your ranged figures best friend.

008 Street Thug (19p) Stealth, range and the Batman Enemy TA, means this is the perfect cheap henchman. Just team him up with some Batenemy with a 10 or 11 AV and watch him go. 5 clix of life means he’s good Mastermind-fodder as well.

016 Batman (68p) Batman beyond brings the ever populat Batman TA, flight, outwit (no SPs) and self-perplex, as well as decent stats, Supersenses and Superstrenght. 6 range shooting and 5 range charge, means he can controll a decent area of the playing field.

Secret Invasion:

001 – Spiderman (50p) Wildcard with a long dial for his value,– fun incap/flurry special power, and decent values, not to forget Supersenses and Leapclimp, which means he’s a great tie-up piece.

004 – Iron Fist (70p) Wildcard as well, 2 good special powers: Leapclimb and Flurry, and Supersenses and Willpower. Starts with a AV of 11, and 3 damage with exploit weakness. This guy are fully capable of hurting 200 point powerhouses.

008b – Ms. Marvel (skrull version) (168p) THE BEST common in the game. Even with a glass jaw, the Stealth + Flying Hypersonic on the first click is just massively exploitable. Superstrenght, Outwit and a base damage of 4, means she can dish out 6 points of damage on anyone she can hit, if she picks up a heavy object along the way. Indomitable is just icing on the cake.

013 – Lightspeed (25p) This little wonder is the finest taxi 25 points can buy. 11 move flying phasing means ultimate mobility for your big hitters, and the F4 TA means a free click to all your Wildcards when she buys it. Not that it is an easy kill, 15DV+EnergyShield/Deflection means they most likely will have to base her if you park her in hindering terrain.

016 – Hercules (142p) A good old Tank. He needs a taxi, or even better someone with TK, but 18Def+Invul, a two object Superstrenght, and Chargeflurry, means he is a force to be reconned with. Indomitable as well.

Crisis

011 – Klarion (76p) Mystics TA, Perplex to start, and later on Probability Control. Stealth for the first three clix as well. And the last clix is something. Do you keep him on a 10AV Flurry+Blades, and 17DV, or go for the Regen?

013 – Robin (79p) Batman TA, and a proper rainbow dial. Perplex and Outwith, Leapclimb, and overall good stats. Not to forget very useful keywords!

Monsters and Mutations

014 – Bishop (100p) Even with the expensive X-men TA this guy brings 8 range 8 move running shot, with a 3dam and 11 AV, quite pushable as well, especially if you bring along a cheap X-man battery to heal him. Starts with Leadership and pushes onto outwit, followed by two clickes of RCE.

016 – Miek (60p) 8 clix of life for 60 points are a bargain, especially with values like these: 8 move Charge, pushes unto three clix of Flurry. Just a 9AV but a 17DV with Toughness means he’s a pain to get rid off!

Justice League

001 – Batman (75p) Batman TA, very useful keywords, high base values and the insane «out of the shadows» special power, makes for a great piece. And as all good Batmen, he starts with Outwit.

014 – Green Arrow (70p) JLA TA, Running shot and a 10 range is good, but push him onto his special power and he gets even better. Ranged flurry-special power, 11AV, and he keeps the running shot, as well as the 17DV with EnergyShield/Deflection. And his keywords is good as well.

Avengers

002 – Iron Man (154p) His special power is crap, but Ultimates TA, Impervious with 17DV, 12 move Running shot, with range 10, Damage 4 and 10 AV means he’s the perfect Batman-hunter. Pushed he looses a bit speed, Impervious turns to Invulnerable, but his AV goes up to 11.

004 – Gargoyle (58p) Flying, Superstrenght and pushes unto Probability Control makes for a good taxi. His values are a bit low, but the Defender TA means he can borrow a better defense. And 7 clix of life with two clix of Regen means he’s likely to stay around for a bit as well.

007 – Crossbones (47p) Wildcard, Stealth, Energy Explosion and a starting damage value of 3, 17 DV with Thoughness makes for a terrorist that can give your opponent a headache.

012 – Shang Chi (58p) Wildcard, Leapclimb, 11AV, Supersenses and CCE. This Jackie Chan’ lookalike has a lot to offer for a cheap prize. And dont forget the 4 range as well!

3 All-Common Theme teams

«Kids these days»
300 points Teen Team

Batman (Beyond) (64p) Arkham Asylum
Robin (35p) (TeenTitansRobin) Crisis
Kid Flash (45p) Crisis
Kid Devil (55p) Arkham Asylum
Patriot (38p) Avengers
Aqualad (40p) Crisis
23points for feats. (Lunge, Vendetta and Flashbang are good choices…)
Remember to push Patriot onto his second click, for the leadership and vastly better defense and attack values!


«X marks the spot»
300 point X-men Team

Best at range! Use Marvel Girl’s TK to position Bishop, Cyclops and Dazzler for Running Shots, and use Beast to tie up nasty close combat units.


«Everybody was Kung Fu Fighting»
400 points Martial Artist Team.

Remember: The two marvel heroes are both wildcards and can choose either Stealth, Freemove or a clix of life when/if Scandal buys it. No flying, but Leapclimb and a bit of freemove from the JLA TA should make the team hard to pin down.


«Batman and Friends?»
500points Gotham City Team